In the June 2025 global IGCSE examinations, Steve, a pupil from the Sixth Form at Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou, achieved the 'Top in China' award in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Chemistry. This distinction represents the highest honour attainable by any pupil in China for this subject — a testament to his solid academic foundation and relentless spirit of inquiry. Despite the weight of this accomplishment, Steve remains composed and grounded — just as he has always been throughout his Wellington journey: quietly steadfast, propelled not by noise but by a deep inner drive.
Before joining Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou, Steve studied at an international school in Malaysia — an experience he describes as a true awakening. He recalls that during his years in the public-school system, he had become something of a 'question-answering machine', knowing how to study but never taking the time to ask why. When everyone around him was fixated on grades, his time at the international school revealed another dimension of education: that the sweat on the sports field and the applause in the concert hall were as worthy of recognition as marks on a test paper. From that moment, he realised that education was never solely about results — it was about becoming whole as a person. That realisation would later lay the foundation for his growth at Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou.
Since joining Wellington, Steve's growth has entered a new dimension. The open yet rigorous curriculum, interdisciplinary learning approach and intellectually challenging environment have all enabled him to develop a self-motivated learning style through continuous exploration. In this year's IGCSE examinations, he achieved A* grades in nine subjects — a remarkable accomplishment that stands as a testament to his ability to set goals proactively, plan his own path and learn and collaborate effectively within a team.
Steve often says that what Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou has truly given him is not just knowledge, but a way of thinking — a mindset defined by curiosity and courage. He believes that true elite education does not aim to produce identical 'top pupils', but to help each learner discover their own unique advantage. "As Wellington has taught me," he once remarked, “the title of being ‘number one’ in China only belongs to the person who is most authentically themselves.”
Steve is deeply passionate about physics. At Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou, he has represented the school in numerous physics competitions, winning a Gold Award in the Senior Physics Challenge and a Silver Award in the Physics Bowl. For him, physics is not just a subject — it is a way of describing reality through mathematical models. Abstract formulas and tangible phenomena are closely intertwined in his mind, inspiring both awe for natural laws and an unending curiosity to explore the unknown.
When asked about the source of his fascination, he often recalls a line by his most admired physicist, Richard Feynman: "Nature's imagination is so much greater than man's." This quote reminds him to stay humble and curious — qualities that continually drive him forward.
In class, Steve is not only a diligent learner but an active thinker. What he values most is the freedom Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou grants its pupils — the freedom to ask why. "I've learned not just to remember knowledge, but to understand it. Once I truly grasp a concept, it takes root and grows in my mind."
He shared some of his study strategies — "study smart, not just hard". Steve uses techniques such as the Feynman Method, flashcards, mind maps and the SQ3R approach (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) to absorb and consolidate knowledge. He believes that the ultimate goal of learning is understanding, not memorisation; knowledge only takes hold when it becomes part of one’s own cognitive framework.
During science practice, he reflects carefully, identifying strengths and weaknesses in every problem he tackles, turning learning into a continuous process of refinement. Even under pressure, he maintains calm through short mindfulness sessions, allowing him to stay focused and composed.
Beyond academics, Steve's curiosity and creativity extend far beyond the classroom. He has a near-instinctive fascination with electronic engineering — drawn by both its mystery and the satisfaction of mastering how things work. During the summer break, he combined his love for electronics and music by designing and assembling a high-fidelity speaker and amplifier system entirely by himself, from circuit design to soldering. The project gave him not only a sense of accomplishment but also a vivid understanding of how theory meets practice.
"That sense of achievement is quite extraordinary," he says. "It feels like I'm conversing with sound — expressing emotion through the language of electronics."
Steve assembling his high-fidelity speaker and amplifier system
Outside the rational world of science and technology, Steve also finds peace in the quiet elegance of Eastern traditions. He enjoys brewing tea, particularly the meticulous art of Chinese gongfu tea. "The process is almost meditative," he reflects. "Every movement demands precision and focus. The sound of the water, the rising steam, the aroma — they all help me slow down. That sense of ritual teaches me how to stay balanced in a fast-paced world."
From the intricate lines on a circuit board to the stillness of a teacup, from scientific logic to human warmth — Steve's interests are broad and well-rounded. He moves seamlessly between worlds, capable of analysing with precision and feeling with subtlety.
Beyond academics, Steve now serves as the newly elected Head of College at Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou— a role that reflects his evolving understanding of leadership. "To me," he says, "leadership isn't about giving orders. It's about listening and inspiring. A good leader makes everyone feel valued, respected and motivated to contribute."
He joined the Student Council with a simple intention: "I wanted to do something meaningful for our community." Whether organising school events, coordinating projects or representing pupil voices, he strives to ensure that every perspective is heard. "Wellington's Five Core Values — Kindness, Responsibility, Respect, Courage and Integrity — are not just guiding principles to me; they're a way of life."
To balance his studies and responsibilities, Steve has developed a personal management system. Each term, week and day, he sets clear goals and priorities, using the Eisenhower Matrix to distinguish what's important from what's merely urgent, and regularly reflecting on his progress.
"Efficient time management is like an experiment," he explains. "You have to keep adjusting variables to find the optimal solution."
He even keeps a small notebook with him at all times to jot down spontaneous ideas or flashes of inspiration. "Sometimes creativity comes in an instant — writing it down means it won't go to waste." He says it lightly, but this conscious discipline is precisely what allows him to stay clear-headed and productive under pressure.
Steve has also been a featured speaker at the school's TEDx event, where, as the final speaker of the day, he honed his skills in structuring thoughts, communicating ideas and connecting with an audience. The experience boosted his confidence and deepened his appreciation for the power of language — its ability to inspire others and to strengthen his own voice.
Throughout his journey at Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou, Steve's greatest takeaway has been the development of curiosity and intrinsic motivation. The school's holistic and diverse education has taught him to learn for understanding, not for grades. This growth mindset has allowed him to thrive not only academically but also in leadership, social relationships and emotional maturity — laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and future success.
Today, Steve is not only an outstanding pupil but also a thoughtful young scholar with a mature outlook and a broad perspective. His passion for knowledge, sensitivity to life and relentless drive to explore make him a living embodiment of Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou's vision of holistic education.
From Malaysia to Hangzhou, from a 'question-answering machine' to a self-motivated explorer, Steve continues to seek out a wider world. Whatever path the future may hold, his curiosity and self-driven energy will remain the enduring colours of his journey.
